Purification of creatine kinase-BB isoenzymes from human and canine tissues

We describe a procedure for the purification of creatine kinase BB isoenzyme from canine and human brain tissue. The purification involves sequentially 50-70% (NH4)2SO4 fractionation, DEAE-Sephacel, Blue-Sepharose CL-6B, and chromatofocusing chromatography. This method produces a homogeneous protein purification as verified by sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and isoelectric focusing chromatography.

Inaccuracy of estimated creatinine clearance for prediction of iothalamate glomerular filtration rate

The clinical practice of estimating creatinine clearance (Ccr) from a patient's serum creatinine value by use of various nomograms and prediction formulas is widespread. The predictive accuracy of such Ccr estimates as substitutes for measured values of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) has not been determined. In addition, the effect of patient physical parameters on GFR prediction accuracy has not been assessed. To investigate these issues, 500 predicted Ccr values from each of four versions of the formula of Cockcroft and Gault were statistically compared with GFR values measured by sodium iothalamate clearance (Cio) in 394 human subjects representing every level of renal function. We conclude that (1) the original formula of Cockcroft and Gault is an inaccurate predictor of GFR; (2) correction of the formula for patient physical parameters does improve its accuracy for GFR prediction; (3) the best formula is not accurate enough to replace laboratory measurement of GFR; and (4) GFR prediction inaccuracy is more often associated with extremes in patient age, weight, serum creatinine, body surface area, and measured GFR but may occur for any value of each of these parameters.

Genetic effects of PR toxin in eukaryotic microorganisms

The genetic activity of PR toxin, a mycotoxin from Penicillium roqueforti, was studied in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Neurospora crassa. The results show that PR toxin, without enzymic activation, causes gene conversion in S. cerevisiae strains D4 and D7, reverse mutation in S. cerevisiae strain D7 and N. crassa strain N24, and mitotic crossing-over in S. cerevisiae strain D7, In the log phase cells of S. cerevisiae the effects are more pronounced at alkaline than at acid pH. The active site responsible for the genetic activity and toxicity is known. The carbonyl groups appear to play an important role in the biologic activity of this molecule.

Preparation of a phospholipase C-antihuman IgG conjugate, and inhibition of its enzymatic activity by human IgG

We labeled IgG with phospholipase C, using 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)-carbodiimide. Enzymaticactivity of the resulting conjugate was inhibited when it was complexed with human IgG, but rabbit or goat IgG was not effective in suppressing the enzyme activity. Normal erythrocytes were used as substrate for the enzyme, enzymatic activity being assessed by measuring the release of hemoglobin. The substrates for phospholipase C are phospholipids, which are major components of the erythrocyte membranes. Hence, the phospholipids in the membranes are viewed as being "immobilized." Perhpas such immobilization of substrate may be a requisite to the inhibition phenomenon.

Preparation of a phospholipase C-antihuman IgG conjugate, and inhibition of its enzymatic activity by human IgG

We labeled IgG with phospholipase C, using 1-cyclohexyl-3-(2-morpholinoethyl)-carbodiimide. Enzymaticactivity of the resulting conjugate was inhibited when it was complexed with human IgG, but rabbit or goat IgG was not effective in suppressing the enzyme activity. Normal erythrocytes were used as substrate for the enzyme, enzymatic activity being assessed by measuring the release of hemoglobin. The substrates for phospholipase C are phospholipids, which are major components of the erythrocyte membranes. Hence, the phospholipids in the membranes are viewed as being "immobilized." Perhpas such immobilization of substrate may be a requisite to the inhibition phenomenon.

Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for hepatitis B surface antigen

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay is described for measuring hepatitis B surface antigen in human serum or plasma. Immunologically purified antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase was used as the indicator. In the assay system, antibody-coated controlled-pore glass is used as a solid support and there are three sequential incubations, totaling 2 h, at room temperature. Results for serially diluted positive and reference sera compare favorably to radioimmunoassay in sensitivity and specificity.

Solid-phase enzyme immunoassay for hepatitis B surface antigen

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay is described for measuring hepatitis B surface antigen in human serum or plasma. Immunologically purified antibody labeled with horseradish peroxidase was used as the indicator. In the assay system, antibody-coated controlled-pore glass is used as a solid support and there are three sequential incubations, totaling 2 h, at room temperature. Results for serially diluted positive and reference sera compare favorably to radioimmunoassay in sensitivity and specificity.

Phospholipase C-labeled anti-human IgG: inhibition by human IgF

We report here the inhibition of enzyme activity of phospholipase C-anti-human rabbit IgG conjugate complexed with human IgG. Phospholipase C activity was measured by assaying the release of hemoglobin from erythrocytes. The degree of inhibition varies depending on the relative amount of IgG utilized. A water soluble carbodiimide linking yields a conjugate which is inhibited by IgG, while conjugate prepared by glutaraldehyde is not. Immunodiagnostic assays requiring detection of low levels of antigen or antibody may be possible utilizing the phospholipase C-erythrocyte technique.

Liposome spin immunoassay: a new sensitive method for detecting lipid substances in aqueous media

A new sensitive immunoassay procedure is described for quantitative detection of glycolipids and other lipids in aqueous media. As with other immunoassays specific antiserum is first reacted with the free lipid hapten. The amount of antibody activity remaining is measured by assaying the release, in the presence of complement, of spin label marker from liposomes containing the same lipid hapten. Using this method, 2.6 pmol of aqueous Forssman hapten was detected, and the sensitivity could be increased further.

Preparation of beating heart cells from adult rats

Suspensions of cardiac cells have been prepared from fragments of hearts from adult rats by prolonged incubation with trypsin and collagenase. In these preparations, about 50 percent of the viable cells routinely exhibit spontaneous contractions ranging from 20 to 120 beats per minute at room temperature. The contractile activity is essentially lost at 2 degrees C but returns to normal as the temperature is increased. The rate of cellular contractions and the percentage of total cells exhibiting contractility are influenced by experimental conditions of cell preparation and the composition of the suspending medium.